I'M BARELY BREATHING // mural

[RHINESTONE.]

LEADER ❝ RHINE ❞ PALMCLAN

Family was a complicated subject for Rhinestone, at least nowadays. At one time, he had considered his family to just be himself, his siblings, and his parents. However, as he had grown older and started to take on more responsibility within the group, he had begun to see the entirety of Palmclan as his family. While that had initially presented him with no problems, he couldn't deny that it was starting to nowadays. After all, considering everyone to be his family meant that he cared very dearly about them, and when he cared so much... fights hurt that much more. His recent spat with Medusa had been proof enough of that, with her harsh words digging straight into his heart as soon as they had left her mouth. On one paw, he knew that she hadn't meant to hurt him, and she had just been venting because of the myriad of frustrations that were stacked upon her. On the other paw, it had caused him to begin to wonder... did the hybrid even want him as family? Was he just too much, trying to offer his support even when it meant very little to her? The thought hurt, but it also didn't seem all that implausible. Maybe he just needed to back off, and put some distance between himself and those he had considered family.

All of this had been on Rhinestonestar's mind as he laid inside of his den, still feeling sick. He had begun to feel more and more nauseous as of late, and it was getting harder to get out of bed without an hour or so of hyping himself up. He was still trying his hardest to ignore it, not wanting to worry anyone in the group, or have them see him as weak. His eyes had just been beginning to drift closed when he heard the sound of voices outside, some impressed and some excited. Despite the way that his head spun at just the thought of getting up, he still pushed himself up and out of his bed, shaking out his rust red fur. When he padded out and spotted the mural that was now painted onto the side of the meeting rock, he found himself briefly shocked, pale gaze just staring at the collection of various Palmclan members. When he realized it was Foamkit who had painted it, he immediately felt a pleased and proud grin come to his face. He moved closer to the boy that was like his son, tail wrapping around Foam as he leaned down to press his nose lightly atop his head, "It looks beautiful, Foamkit. I can't believe you made it all on your own... and you're right. We're all family here, together." His eyes darted briefly around to each of the others that had gathered around, his gaze softening. Despite the illness that had dampened his mood as of late, Foam's mural had really done wonders to make him feel something positive.

NEVER OPENED MYSELF THIS WAY
LIFE IS OURS, WE LIVE IT OUR WAY

— Reggan